Winter is here and much of the country is experiencing cold, wet weather. As many people with arthritis can attest, cold weather tends to make joint pain worse. Dogs that are elderly, overweight, or have suffered from poor joint development or injury can also develop arthritis, and their symptoms often worsen with the arrival of cold temperatures.
Dogs with arthritis typically are stiff and sore; have difficulty rising, climbing and jumping; are not as active as they have been in the past; and may limp on their most severely affected leg. Diseases other than arthritis can produce similar clinical signs, so if you are unsure of your dog’s diagnosis, make an appointment with your veterinarian.
Many different arthritis medications for dogs are available to ease a pet’s discomfort and make him feel like his old self. If your dog’s condition is mild, a nutritional supplement like Glyco-flex may be all that is required. For more severe cases, veterinarians may prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatories and or other pain relievers to be used in conjunction with a joint supplement. Weight loss, physical therapy, massage, cold laser treatments, acupuncture, and stem cell regenerative therapy are all additional options for treating arthritis.
To keep your dog’s joints warm and working smoothly during the winter months, provide him with a well cushioned bed that lifts him off of the cold floor and position it near a heat source and away from drafts. Some dogs, particularly those that are thin or have short fur, will also benefit from wearing a coat or sweater when outside on a frosty winter’s day.
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